Educational Objectives:
1. Inspire cytopathologists to become proactive in image-guided procurement of aspiration biopsies
2. Advocate for the patient-centered pathology practice with direct patient interface
3. Illustrate the various practice styles for engagement at the clinical front

The cytopathologist’s interventional role in performing image-guided aspiration biopsies shifts the focus from the diagnostic sample to the complete patient when cytopathologists interface directly with patients and their care. This enhanced role facilitates the diagnostic phase of patient care by inserting the cytopathologist’s guidance at the instant of specimen acquisition, providing a clinical context for the management of the diagnostic sample and an opportunity for patient education and communication, establishing the cytopathologist’s position at the forefront of the health care team.